Page 39 of Star Mates

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Emmarie’s practically skipped to the saloon. Happiness practically bubbled forth like flowers preening for the sun. She smiled at everyone she passed, even the ones on their way to the communal bathing room. Sparta was small so the pipe system was confided to certain areas dispersed through the rambling city. Housing complexes had restrooms, but showers were all conducted in a building near the center, one side for women and one side for men.

It had taken her a little bit to get used to showering with fifty other women at a time, there was a college dorm feeling to the whole thing. Now she wasn’t quite so embarrassed, but it wasn’t something she was completely comfortable with.

The saloon sat silent as she walked up to it. Usually, Harpo was her wake up alarm as he started warming up early on the piano’s keys. She pushed open the door and walked in. The bar room stood dark, but a silver of light in the distillery room caught her eye and she walked toward it. Often, Leona would work on the books there because it gave her easy access to the counter if she was needed.

Emmarie pushed open the door and saw Leona and Pike embraced in a passionate kiss. His hands were splayed over her back and hers were locked behind his neck. She must have gasped because the couple immediately broke their kiss and looked at her.

“I’m so sorry!” Emmarie gasped and tried to quickly exit the room.

“It’s okay,” Leona said.

Emmarie glanced from her to Pike. “Are you sure?”

Pike nodded.

“Then I suppose you made up?”

Leona giggled. “He proposed!”

“He did?” she asked, then looked at Pike. “You did?”

“Love of my life, remember?” He chuckled and gave Leona’s shoulders a squeeze.

Leona held out her left hand. “He went to Lusty Lisa’s for the ring. Rings are rare, as you can imagine, and Lisa deals in trades, so he traded for the ring.”

Emmarie smiled widely and examined the ring. The ring had a stone in the center that looked like a diamond. It wasn’t very large, but she suspected Leona wasn’t the type of woman who would pine for something big and gaudy.

“It’s absolutely beautiful,” Emmarie said sincerely. “Congratulations. I’m so happy for you both. Can I sing at the wedding?”

“Of course!” Leona said with a laugh.

“Well, then, I’ll leave you two to your celebrations.” Sbe winked at them and left the room, closing the door behind her with a click. She made her way upstairs to her room where she set about washing herself with some water and a cloth. Though it seemed antiquated, Emmarie discovered most people took a sponge bath in the privacy of their home. Sparta was an interesting blend of high technology amid an old-fashioned lifestyle.

When she heard Homer playing the keys, she made her way back downstairs. The saloon had a dozen or so patrons waiting for the lunch service to start. She took her place next to the piano and began rehearsing, which really meant she was singing for the customers. This is the part of the job she loved, being on stage, performing and seeing the enjoyment on people’s faces.

As the lunch crowd started to thin, Raiden walked in followed by two men Emmarie had never seen before. He gave her a brief glance before crossing to a table in the back. The two men sat across from him and immediately they began to talk, keeping the heads close together.

Emmarie finished her set and walked over to them. The men feel silent. Pell gave her a warm smile as he held out his hand. She took it and sat in the chair next to him.

“You sounded lovely, as usual,” he murmured to her as he kissed her.

Emmarie glanced at the two men. “Hello, I’m Emmarie.”

“Sorry,” Raiden said quickly. “This is Elliot and Parker. They’re…engineers who help take care of the Sunray.”

She didn’t miss the pause in his explanation. “It’s nice to meet you,” she replied. “The Sunray is a beautiful ship.”

“Thank you,” said the one she thought was Elliot. “Listen, Pell, why don’t we talk more tonight?”

“Okay,” Raiden said with a nod. “I’ll come by after evening meal.”

The two men rose, gave Emmarie a brief smile, and departed. She watched them for a moment, unease making her stomach clench.

“Who are they?” she asked Raiden quietly.

“Just friends,” he replied, taking hold of her hand and brushing her knuckles with a kiss.

She didn’t say anything, but she couldn’t help but feel that he wasn’t being completely honest with her. It worried her. Their relationship was so new that any unease between them tested the fragility of the bonds being formed, and she hoped this wasn’t an indicator of things to come.

He left a few minutes later, when her break was over, and as he escorted her back to the stage, she could sense his mind was elsewhere. She watched him leave and couldn’t help but feel concerned.

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